Ask the Question

Today Let's Ask the Question: What Does Being "Saved" Look Like?

*NOTE* Matt shared his story at the beginning of this episode and very unfortunately the video was lost. Matt shared about his personal journey thinking he was a believer for the majority of his life, then realizing in recent years that he hadn't truly accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus's death and resurrection. We have some audio issues and a huge portion of his story is missing, but you'll be able to understand where the rest of his answers come from.*

We're back in 2023! Today I'm speaking with Matthew Bayes who talks about truly believing in the gospel of Jesus after years of not truly believing. He speaks about the life change it had on him and growth he's had. We discuss what life looks like for many people after making the major decision to follow Jesus, discipleship, freely asking the Bible real questions, meditating on scripture, and more! If we're following Jesus, do our lives look like the Shema (love God and love others with all that you are)? Ask this question and many more with us today on Ask the Question. 

Today let's Ask the Question: Was the Earth Created in 7 Literal Days?

Today I'm having a really fun and fascinating conversation with my friend, Andrew Sigrist, and we're talking about creation. Was it a literal 7 days documented in Genesis? Was it poetry? Is it a counter-narrative to other ancient creation stories? These questions have been amongst those asked in the long-standing debate amongst Bible-believing, Jesus-loving Christians who disagree on this topic. If you're looking for a debate, you've come to the wrong place. But, if you're looking for quite possible the friendliest podcast conversation amongst people on either side of this issue, then you're welcome! 

Here are some resources we mentioned:

https://www.worldhistory.org/Enlil/

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gilg/hd_gilg.htm

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/epic/hd_epic.htm#:~:text=In%20the%20Sumerian%20poem%20%E2%80%9CThe,them%20to%20humankind%20as%20sustenance.

https://www.ancient-origins.net/inner-mysteries-egypt-and-nile-feb-2023-0017306

https://www.milleetunetasses.com/amp/blog/the-great-pyramid-of-khufu/sun-god-ra-and-the-great-serpent-god-apep-apophis-fights-in-the-underworld.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Epic-of-Gilgamesh

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aton-Hymn

https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Mythology/

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7549/kjv/wlc/0-1/

https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4690.htm

https://www.worldhistory.org/gilgamesh/

https://www.grisda.org/myth-of-the-solid-heavenly-dome

https://academic.oup.com/book/1751/chapter-abstract/141387578?redirectedFrom=fulltext

https://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/syllabi/g/gier/306/commoncosmos.htm

https://www.bibleandscience.com/bible/books/genesis/genesis1_pillarsearth.htm

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/225/enuma-elish---the-babylonian-epic-of-creation---fu/

https://www.thetorah.com/article/my-encounter-with-the-firmament

Find Today's Guest:

Andrew Sigrist

Today let's Ask the Question: How can Christians be better friends to Atheists?  

*NOTE* We have some audio issues this episode we are working to fix; thanks for your patience! 

Join me and my guest Gray Wilkin as we discuss how people with big  divides in their beliefs can be friends, have meaningful discussion, and care for each other. We focus a lot on how Christians can represent Jesus to their communities in ways that really exemplify who He is and how we can love ALL of our neighbors, yes, even the ones who don't agree with us!  

You can follow Gray at @the_rising_son on Instagram. 

Follow @CarlieRaeCleveland on Instagram for updates, clips from the YouTube version of this podcast, and more!

Today let's Ask the Question: What's coming in Ask the Question Season 2?  

Welcome to season 2 and thanks for being here! We're so excited to start our new episodes, so join us for a recap and intro to the new season to come! 

 Follow @CarlieRaeCleveland on Instagram for updates and visit CarlieCleveland.com for more.

Join David Osredkar and I for the fifth and final episode of Jonah: the Ask the Question Summer Podcast Series!  

In this episode, we look at Jonah chapter four: What is Jonah's response to the city of Nineveh believing in Yahweh? Why is he upset enough to die? What is God's response?  We dive into all of that and more in today's episode!  

 Look for updates on the upcoming new season of Ask the Question, coming this fall, at CarlieCleveland.com and @CarlieRaeCleveland on Instagram.

Join David Osredkar and I for the fourth episode of Jonah: the Ask the Question Summer Podcast Series!

In this episode, we look at Jonah chapter three: finally Jonah has made it to the city of Nineveh and it seems chapter two Jonah is gone and his ideas and attitudes may have changed. He preaches a short, quick, not-so-sweet message and somehow, an entire city believes in God. How does this happen? How big was the city? Who was the king mentioned? We dive into all of that and more in today's episode!

 Come back to watch and listen next week as we dive into Jonah chapter four, and keep joining us every Thursday for the whole Ask the Question Summer Series through the month of July! Look for updates at CarlieCleveland.com and @CarlieRaeCleveland on Instagram.

Resources:

- How to Survive Getting Swallowed by a Whale Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZLUGlKdUsY&ab_channel=HowtoSurvive

- https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries/assyria-nineveh#:~:text=Nineveh%20was%20the%20capital%20of,famous%20for%20his%20building%20projects.

- https://evangelicalfocus.com/archaeological-perspectives/3168/adad-nirari-iii-jonah-assyrian-king-old-testament

- https://www.britannica.com/place/Nineveh-ancient-city-Iraq

Join David Osredkar and I for the third episode of Jonah: the Ask the Question Summer Podcast Series!

*NOTE* I mention a resource I used and cite "Mark Byas" but the person I'm citing is named *Jared Byas. His information is linked below!

In this episode, we look at Jonah chapter two, a beautiful prayer that surprisingly stirs a lot of controversy. What happens in this chapter? Does Jonah survive in the great fish? Does he die and does God miraculously raise him? What other verses in scripture does Jonah chapter two point us to? If you have a question to submit about the book of Jonah, visit me on my Instagram stories today (@CarlieRaeCleveland) to ask your question or ask on Spotify under the Ask the Question Podcast. We can't wait to hear your thoughts and questions! 

Come back to watch and listen next week as we dive into Jonah chapter two, and keep joining us every Thursday for the whole Ask the Question Summer. Series through the month of July! Look for updates at CarlieCleveland.com and @CarlieRaeCleveland on Instagram.

Resources:

- The Bible For Normal People, Rediscovering Jonah (Jared Byas): https://peteenns.com/rediscovering-jonah-part-1/

- Surviving in a Whale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZLUGlKdUsY&ab_channel=HowtoSurvive

- https://armstronginstitute.org/315-what-was-the-great-fish-that-swallowed-jonah

- https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_629.cfm

- https://www.sefaria.org/Rashi_on_Jonah?tab=contents

- All the Animals of the Bible Comprehensive Encyclopedia: https://www.amazon.com/All-Animals-Bible-Comprehensive-Encyclopedia/dp/1546901132/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Z0WR6WORCTEQ&keywords=all+the+animals+of+the+bible&qid=1657210447&sprefix=all+the+animals+of+the+bible%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1

Join David Osredkar and I for the second episode of Jonah: the Ask the Question Summer Podcast Series!  

In this episode, we look at Jonah chapter one, a chapter with a lot of action packed in to 17 verses! There are a lot of very unique and interesting details in this chapter that we unpack. Jonah chapter one helps lay the foundation for the rest of this remarkable, totally fascinating story. 

If you have a question to submit, ask on Spotify Podcasts under Ask the Question or visit me on my Instagram stories today (@CarlieRaeCleveland) to ask your question. We can't wait to hear your thoughts and see what you're asking!

Come back to watch and listen next week as we dive into Jonah chapter two, and keep joining us every Thursday for the whole Ask the Question Summer Series through the month of July!  Look for updates at CarlieCleveland.com and @CarlieRaeCleveland on Instagram.

Join David Osredkar and I for the first episode of Jonah: the Ask the Question Summer Podcast Series!  

(You'll notice about 30 minutes in we had some audio issues. We apologize and are working to fix it!)

 In this episode, we cover the introduction to the unique, fascinating, funny, and thoughtful book of Jonah! We share our theories, thoughts, and some Jonah controversy but more importantly, how we can all learn from Jonah despite our differences.   Come back to watch and listen next week as we dive into Jonah chapter one, and keep joining us every Thursday for the whole Ask the Question Summer  Series through the month of July! 

 Look for updates at CarlieCleveland.com and @CarlieRaeCleveland on Instagram.

The Ask the Question Podcast Summer Series topic will be: Jonah! 

Join David Osredkar and I as we dive into the book of Jonah and its deep, complex, funny, masterfully written chapters. We'll be asking a lot of questions about this very unique prophet and his larger than life story. This book has so many layers we often miss that are absolutely relevant, fascinating, and often hilarious. Starting June 23 you can join us as we start the Summer Series that will take us all the way through July!

Come back this fall for new Ask the Question episodes with new guests and new questions.

See you June 23rd!

Join me today for a recap on Season One, the first twelve episodes of the Ask the Question Podcast!

How did we end up here doin a podcast, what's happening this summer, and when is Season Two coming along?

If you love asking honest, genuine questions about the Bible to strengthen and grow your faith and understanding, this podcast is for you. Come back Friday, June 17th 2022 for a special summer series announcement surprise! 

Today let's ask the question: What does the Bible say about sexual abuse?  

*TRIGGER WARNING* As the title states, this podcast episode discusses topics like sexual abuse. Please take caution when listening. 

  Join me today as I take look at what the Bible says about sexual abuse. What are those weird laws in Deuteronomy about rape? Is God a cruel monster who forces people to marry their sexual abusers? What do the book of Proverbs and the Psalms say about injustice? What does Jesus say about abuse? I share some of my thoughts and opinions, but my goal is not to tell you what you believe. Instead, I encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers. 

 Find the resources I mentioned: 

- Dr. Sandra Richter's book: The Epic of Eden

 - David Lamb's Books: God Behaving Badly (Expanded Edition): Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?   and   Prostitutes and Polygamists: A Look at Love, Old Testament Style 

The Theology in the Raw Podcast, "Does the Old Testament Dehumanize Women? Dr. Sandy Richter" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoVkzDwAAR4&ab_channel=PrestonSprinkle 

Find me on Instagram:  

@CarlieRaeCleveland 

@TheRealTruthMinistries

 TheRealTruthMinistries.com

 CarlieCleveland.com

Today let's ask the question: Does God Ordain Polygamy?

 The Bible is full of a lot of polygamists... like a lot. So, does that mean God ordains Polygamy? Does He allow it? Does Polygamy honor God's intention and design for the union of marriage? Join Kristine McDowell and I as we look through some passages about marriage, God's goodness throughout scripture, and the complexities of polygamy. We share some of our thoughts and opinions, but our goal is not to tell you what you believe. Instead, we seriously encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers.   

Find Today's Guest: 

Kristine McDowell  

@Kristine_M_31

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/RadiantRuth

Today let's ask the question: Can a Person See God's Face?   

Did the Bible contradict itself when it says God talked with Moses "face to face" and then in the same chapter, says Moses would die if he looked at God? 

Join me and my guest David Osredkar as we take a look at the topic of looking at & speaking with God in scripture. Sometimes, when we come across what look like contradictions, it can make us withdraw and feel fear that the Bible could be wrong. David and I take this topic head on and find more and more that when we tackle the tough questions directly, it can actually help us see the divine inspiration of scripture and make sense of what seems not to.  We share some of our thoughts and opinions, but our goal is not to tell you what you believe. Instead, we seriously encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers. 

 Find Today's Guest: David Osredkar

CarlieCleveland.com

@CarlieRaeCleveland

Today let's ask the question: What's the role of prostitution in the Bible? 

What does the law say? What about the New Testament? 

Join me and my guest Andelina Sedgewick as we take a look at prostitution in scripture. The Bible can be weird and sometimes feel scary, but we don't have to be afraid to be honest with scripture or with God. As Andelina and I chat about, often when we start to dig into the things in the Bible that feel scary, they actually lead us closer to understanding God's kindness, goodness, and love. We share some of our thoughts and opinions, but our goal is not to tell you what you believe. Instead, we seriously encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers. 

 @CarlieRaeCleveland CarlieCleveland.com

Today let's ask the question: What's the Biblical model for marriage?

 How does it apply to Christians today?  

Join me and my guest Savannah Osredkar as we take a look at Biblical marriage: how did ancient patriarchal societies affect marriage? What do we see in the New Testament regarding marriage? Why should Christians get married? We share some of my thoughts and opinions, but our goal is not to tell you what you believe. Instead, we seriously encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers.  

@CarlieRaeCleveland CarlieCleveland.com

Today let's ask the question: Are we using the correct terminology/language regarding spiritual warfare? 

 Join me today as I take an hour-long deep dive into questions about spiritual warfare ideologies and terms. What are some messages the media paints about topics like possession and spirits, and are they rooted anywhere in scripture? What does the Bible say about Satan and the fallen angels? Are our theological beliefs about spiritual warfare actually from scripture? I share some of my thoughts and opinions, but my goal is not to tell you what you believe. Instead, I encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers.  

Find me on Instagram:  

@CarlieRaeCleveland

 @TheRealTruthMinistries 

TheRealTruthMinistries.com

 CarlieCleveland.com

Today let's ask the question: How engaged should Christians be in politics? How should our faith inform how we show up in political spaces as followers of Jesus? 

 Join me and my favorite ever guest, best friend, long-haired wonder, and the most handsome man alive, my husband! Our goal today is to search the Bible to try to understand what it tells us in regards to submitting to political leaders, taxes, and how we should engage with the other side of our political aisles. If you're in search of a political debate or Christians telling you who to vote for you've come to the wrong video. There are enough people on the internet telling you what to believe, and this is a discussion intended to be a thought & question starter. We share our thoughts and opinions, but our goal is not to tell you what you believe. Instead, we encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers. 

 Find Mason on Instagram:  @MasonClvld @AirOps.DroneMedia

Today let's ask the question: How did purity culture hurt so many an how can we heal?   

*TRIGGER WARNING: We briefly discuss sexual abuse and its effects*  Join me and my friend Zaylee Vander Vorst as we have a super fun, casual, unpolished conversation sharing our personal experiences, memories, and hopes for a better future. We both still strongly believe there are biblical, godly ways to pursue purity, and as believers we should. But, there are much healthier, Christ-like ways that actually reflect scripture, Jesus, and the instructions of scripture. We cover how purity culture affected our views towards others, our marriages, and so much more. 

We Our goal is not to tell you what you believe, but encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers.

Find Zaylee on Instagram:  @mrs.vander_vorst

Today let's ask the question: Are women as equally necessary to ministry as men? Are they necessary to the work of the Church and sharing the gospel?

  Join me and my friend Kylee Logan as we search the Bible to find out more! We share our thoughts on women in leadership, hearing the other side, using resources to understand scripture, and discuss so many topics in this episode! Our goal is not to tell you what you believe, but encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers.

  Find Kylee on Instagram:  @KyleeLogan @Loganletterco

Today let's ask the question: Why should we ask questions? How can asking what we believe and why help us grow stronger faiths? How can we dig deeper into the Bible to find the answers to our questions?  The goal is not to tell you what you believe, but encourage you to ask why you believe what you do and search scripture deeply for the answers.